Buying beer online can be tricky. While availability varies from state to state, here are the services we recommend.
Prices are accurate at the time of publication.
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FreshDirect
If you live in a densely-populated area, popping into your local liquor store or supermarket isn't always the fastest, simplest task — especially on the weekends.
Whatever your location, if it's unrealistic or unadvisable for you to head out-of-doors to pick up a case of suds, have a look at our list below. Whether you're looking for a basic case of domestic beer, a box of select microbrews, or a new subscription service to sign up for, we've got recommendations for all.
And, no matter which option you choose, please don't forget to tip your delivery person.
Reuters
When local beer retailers can't facilitate delivery, turn to one of the following sites or apps, which will pick up your order from the neighborhood shop of your choice and deliver it (both for a delivery surcharge and a sales commission). This isn't ideal, as it can cost both you and your local purveyor more, but it is generally the quickest way to get beer (or any alcohol) delivered when you need it in a rush.
1. Drizly
Drizly will pick your order up and deliver it, usually within the hour, and the surcharge is usually $5.
Shop beer (and more) at Drizly [Use the code "INSIDER5" at checkout to receive $5 off a purchase of $20 or more]
2. Saucey
Saucey works much like Drizly and promises a quick, zero-fee delivery, but you may find that the beer selection in specific areas can be spotty at times. If you type in your zipcode and strike out, don't panic — you'll find what you're looking for somewhere on this list.
Shop beer (and more) at Saucey [Use the code "INSIDER10" at checkout to receive $10 off your first order]
3. Minibar
Everything from beer to ice, liquor, and mixers is available at Minibar. Minibar's fees are worked into the price; a six-pack of Lagunitas is a few bucks more than you'd probably pay at the corner store, and there's no delivery fee, but there is a space to leave a tip (and please do).
FreshDirect
While most bigger online retailers occasionally have trouble keeping up with the demand for alcohol delivery, a few have managed to consistently fill orders on time. Selections here run the gamut from domestic brews like Budweiser to a stupefying list of craft beers.
1. FreshDirect
A $5.99 delivery fee will get you pretty much any beer you'd find at a well-stocked grocery store. While, yes, most other sites don't charge delivery fees, they tend to be pricier up front, so FreshDirect ends up being a fair deal.
Shop beer and wine and spirits at FreshDirect | Read our review of FreshDirect
2. Craft City
Craft City is on the opposite end of the spectrum from FreshDirect. While there's some overlap between the two sites when it comes to more popular craft beers, smaller brewery labels make up the bulk of Craft City's impressive inventory (which includes over 100 different brews the last time we checked).
You'll have to pay FedEx ground shipping fees (and put up with the associated wait), along with a $3.00 "Adult Signature Delivery Fee" — which, curiously, you won't find elsewhere. Still, it mostly evens out, especially when you consider the massive selection.
3. Craft Shack
While Craft Shack has far more than beer on offer, the online retailer is always quick to carry craft breweries' latest launches (follow their Instagram for updates). And the scope of their core craft beer inventory is pretty impressive, with over 75 labels. Shipping ranges from $19.99 to $29.99, and depends on where you are in the continental US (West, Central, or East) and the size of your order.
Craft Beer Kings/Facebook
Subscription-based beer retailers aren't usually the most affordable way to go, but if you're interested in discovering new breweries or expanding your palate, it may be the easiest way to do it.
A Beer of the Month Club membership will cost you $29.95 per month (plus $15 for shipping and handling), and you'll get four different beers from two different "lightly distributed" US microbreweries. Each box includes three of each beer, which might better help you decide whether you like them or not. There's no automatic renewal when you sign up for anywhere between two and 12 deliveries.
Sign up for Beer of the Month Club
2. Tavour
Tavour is a slightly different take on craft brew subscriptions. The app-based service releases two new beers per day, but you claim the ones you want, build custom boxes, and control the frequency of delivery. Pretty nifty. Shipping is $15 no matter how many beers you buy.
Craft Beer Kings lets you choose your favorite style of beer (Hazy IPAs, Stouts, Sours, and more), and sends you a case of 12 pint-sized cans for $99 a month. That's $8.25 a pint, which is on the pricey side, but for a quality case of beer tailored to your taste, that's not bad. If your taste in beer defies categorization, Craft Beer Kings also offers mixed-style cases.
Sign up for Craft Beer Kings' subscription or shop the main store
